The upcoming Priscilla Presley biopic, Priscilla, does not have the green light to use Elvis Presley's music. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter alongside Presley herself, director Sofia Coppola revealed that Elvis Presley Enterprises, the entity that owns Elvis' music, turned down her request to use the famed musician's music in the film. When asked the reason for the rejection, Coppola said the group doesn't "like projects that they haven't originated," and that they are "protective of their brand."
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However, the roadblock of not being able to use Elvis' music made the director "more creative," she says. According to THR, Coppola's husband Thomas Mars, who is lead singer of the French indie pop pop band Phoenix, created music for the film. This reportedly includes a cover of Frankie Avalon's "Venus."
Priscilla is based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, and it will detail her relationship with the rock 'n' roll legend from her perspective. The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Presley and Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi as Elvis. Presley says she's "nervous" for audiences to see the movie because "it's my life."
"The people who are watching, they're living it with you, and you hope and pray that they get it," she shares with THR. "They get your feelings, your hurts, your sensitivity."
Presley and Coppola add that the movie tells the couple's unfiltered story, including details that may be met with disapproval today. This includes the fact that Priscilla was 14 years old when she began seeing then 24-year-old Elvis. Coppola's film also details a fire on the Graceland property, which was started by Elvis.
Presley says seeing the film for the first time was a moving experience.
"When I saw the movie, I tried to separate myself and live it as if I was just a fan or just someone that's wanting to see the movie," she says. "At the end, I actually, I was quite emotional. Only being 14. You look back and you go, 'Why me? Why am I here? Why am I driving in a limo, going through the gates of Graceland with Elvis?'"
Priscilla will premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 4. It will be released in theaters on Oct. 27.
